Tag Archives: future of education

TEDx Melbourne 19th July 2012

Last Thursday I headed to the State Library for a TEDx Melbourne event. I have watched a great number of TED talks online, but this was the first time I had attended a TED event. I think it’s great that TED has expanded to include regional TEDx events across the world, it’s a nice example of how a successful idea can spread without being overly controlled.

Speaking at this TEDx event, that was specifically on the topic of Educational Leadership, was Will Richardson, Stephen Dinham and Jenny Luca. All the speakers provided a different message, but all three were focused on improving education for students, particularly improving education beyond the standardised measure of tests. To me the theme seemed to be preparing students for the unknown real-world future that awaits them.

Like this:

With all the talk about NAPLAN and performance based pay for teachers that has been circling around lately I felt the need to seek out some inspirational material to restore my faith in the purpose and possibilities of education.

My first port of call was to return to one of my old favourties, Sir Ken Robinson. I have always found solace, but also excitement, in his ideas about what makes meaningful education and in this clip I like how he disputes the very foundation of our education system.